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Discharge of Firearm Utah - Criminal Defense Lawyer Salt Lake

Under Utah law, discharging a firearm can be a criminal offense under some circumstances. If you are facing prosecution for discharging a firearm or for other criminal charges, Stephen Howard can help ensure that your rights are protected. As an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney, he has a record of success in defending clients facing firearms charges and  many other criminal offenses in Utah. He has a record of achieving real results for his clients. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with Stephen Howard.

Elements of a  Firearm Discharge Criminal Case in Utah

Under the Utah criminal code, section 76-10-508, it is a crime to discharge a firearm from an automobile or other vehicle. The same section of the Utah criminal code also prohibits shooting a gun "from, upon, or across any highway" as well as shooting at road signs, railroad equipment or facilities, communications equipment including lines, poles or other transmission equipment and also within certain distances from houses and other buildings. Although this section of the Utah criminal code designates this charge as a misdemeanor, there are circumstances under which discharging a gun can be filed as a felony.

Utah Code 76-10-508.1 creates felony penalties for discharging a firearm under a variety of circumstances. If the firearm is discharged in the direction of any person, vehicle, or "habitable structure" then felony penalties can apply.

Possible Penalties for a Conviction for Discharging a Firearm in Utah

Whether you are facing felony or misdemeanor prosecution, prosecutors and judges take all firearms charges seriously. A felony conviction for unlawful discharge of a firearm under Utah Code 76-10-508.1 is punishable by a prison term of not less than three years. Depending on whether injuries are caused as a result of the firearm discharge, maximum penalties can be imposed for terms of up to 5 years, 15 years, or potentially life in prison. A misdemeanor conviction for unlawful discharge of a firearm under Utah Code 76-10-508 is punishable by up to six months in jail.

Finding a Utah Criminal Defense Attorney in Salt Lake City

Stephen Howard is an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney who represents clients charged with firearms violations and other criminal offenses throughout the state. His track record speaks for itself. If you are facing criminal prosecution for the unlawful discharge of a firearm, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side.

Based in Salt Lake City, criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard offers legal services to clients throughout Utah.  If you have been charged with a crime, contact us to learn how Stephen Howard can help you.


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Serving Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Utah, Cache, Tooele, Summit, Box Elder, and Wasatch Counties, and all of Utah.

Attorney Stephen Howard practices as part of the Canyons Law Group, LLC and Stephen W. Howard, PC.

Offices in Salt Lake and Davis Counties
560 South 300 East, Suite 200, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
952 S. Main St., Suite A, Layton, UT 84041

Call now to arrange for a confidential initial consultation with an experienced and effective Utah criminal defense lawyer.

In Salt Lake City, call 801-449-1409.
In Davis County, call 801-923-4345.

Stephen W. Howard, PC

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